Chess knowledge is a wonderful thing: understanding strategic principles, the best way to deploy various piece combinations in end games, and how to optimize pawn structures.
But there is no substitute for pattern recognition, the ability to visualize how the pieces might be moved to capture a free piece or even make a checkmate!
There are numerous free websites where players can solve such tactical puzzles including Chess Tempo and the Chess Tactics Server.
As if the inherent reward from doing these puzzles weren't enough, a generous benefactor has offered to sponsor a puzzle contest specifically for Illinois youth (through age 18) this summer.
The juniors who solve the most correct puzzles on ChessKid.com from Sunday, June 18 through Sunday, August 20, 2017 will receive awards at the 2017 Illinois Open -- and receive further recognition on this website. 64 days to chess excellence!
In addition, the youth who win the most games (minimum of 15 moves) and who watch the most videos on ChessKid during that period will also receive awards.
In order to be eligible for the prizes, parents should email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. indicating their desire to be included -- and providing permission to use the child's name in articles about the contest. They should be willing to make a designated ICA account on ChessKid a guardian of the child's account so that the results can be tabulated efficiently.
Basic ChessKid accounts are free -- allowing up to 5 puzzles a day and free game play.
Gold accounts allow unlimited daily puzzle solving and makes available an array of over 500 informative, kid-friendly videos. If students stay active during a brief qualifying period, the ICA has made arrangements to sponsor a limited number of Gold accounts this summer. If interested, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. After the summer, accounts are available for $1 / month through the next Illinois K-8 Championship -- this year scheduled for Schaumburg in March, 2018.
If you would like a copy of a 25-page guidebook to the ChessKid videos -- providing a logical sequence in which to watch them, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
So contact the ICA today and give your young chess player a summer chess challenge they will always remember -- win, lose or draw.
This promotion is open to both members and non-members of the ICA -- but ICA is looking to expand its scholastic membership base. A $10 membership goes a long way towards keeping the website and the statewide calendar of events going -- and is aiding efforts to promote chess education in underserved areas. Adult memberships are $15 and include voting rights. Both levels of membership include discounts to almost all Illinois Tour events.
And remember, the 2017 Illinois Open will be September 2-4, 2017 in Northbrook, IL. More news to follow!